[Tweet “Kind #words are like honey— #sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Prov. 16:24”]
Bethany and I ran up to Dillon’s to get some much needed groceries.
Michael was our baggier that day. (I’ve written about Michael and his boisterous voice. Michael is an adult with a disability on a mission to make everyone’s day a bit brighter. His loud complements and witticisms can be heard to the back of the store. Some people roll their eyes but I love his banter.)
Here’s a snapshot of my little world 😉
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Michael- HI! HOW ARE YA TODAY?
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Me- Great! Thanks. How are you Michael?
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Michael- FANTASTIC! I CAN’T HELP IT. IT’S MY HOBBY!
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I smile. Bethany is swiping our debit card to pay.
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Michael- YOU LOOK GREAT TODAY! I SAY YOU LOOK TWENNYONE (21)
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Before I can answer, Bethany turns to Michael and says very clearly, “She’s 56”.
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Michael snorts. “I SAY- SHE LOOK TWENNYONE (21)
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Bethany- “She’s 56.”
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Michael- even louder if possible- “I SAY! TWENNYONE!”
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Bethany- “She’s 56”.
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They’re in a stare off now.
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Michael- “TWENNYONE.”
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Bethany- “56”.
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Uh-oh. People are starting to stare and my hot flashes are starting. I try to speed up the process so we can get out of there.
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“Thank you Michael. You just made my day. Oh, to be twenty-one again.” 🙂 I say cheerily with arm on Bethany pushing (ummm- guiding her quickly) out the door.
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“But Mom, you’re not 21, you’re 56! You should tell the truth.”
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The last word: Michael- “I SAY TWENNYONE AND I MEAN TWENNYONE! HAVE A GOOD DAY.
We were finally out in the parking lot when Bethany said, “Why did Michael keep saying you look 21 mom?”
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“Because he was trying to compliment me and make my day better. He was trying to be nice.”
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Silence.
Then I heard Bethany whisper under her breath.
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“Fine. But the truth is you’re 56.”
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[Tweet “Great #perks of having a child with #downsyndrome: #laughter #fun #UnlimitedHugs”]
Truth or compliments?
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I think we can learn to do both. 🙂
[Tweet “Treasure each #moment, #laugh daily, #love deeply, #hug often #LIFE”]
Surprising Treasures: Ephesians 4:15 We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
I’m having such a warm chuckle over the story of your experience. It reads like a delightful TV show could be. All three “characters” are so beautifully depicted that I could see all of you in action. Oh, and it does demonstrate the need for both grace and truth, as well, doesn’t it! 🙂 Another great job, dear Cindy!
Thanks, Edy! I’m still getting a chuckle from the whole scenario! How I love my girl- the sunshine and rainbow of our family 🙂 hugs and blessings
Oh my, love this!! Tooo Fun! Michael only said you LOOK like you are 21 . . . that’s a huge difference from asking you how old you are, and you telling him you are 21 instead of 56. But Bethany’s response is priceless! Truth is Truth~so now you can remind her of that if she finds opportunity to fudge a little . . . 😉
I <3 you both!!
Mid
I’m still laughing, Mid. I don’t know who would have eventually have “won”- they are both very “determined”. LOL Love ya and thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment. 😉
I already knew this story, but I am laughing my head off. The theological truths in this post are as profound as the encounter is hilarious!
Live, Laugh, Love- ! hugs babe
I don’t think Bethany quite got the point yet. But I’m sure with your perspective, you look younger than your age.
What makes life interesting with Bethany is Bethany- a very concrete thinker. 🙂 She’s always making me smile. Have a great week, Lux!